Method of splicing rubber articles



Dec. 17, 1935,

Original Filed March 26 1931 J. l. HAASE METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 17, 1935. J. I. HAASE METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES Original Filed March 26, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 \jorqerl I Haase Dec. l7, 1935. J.VI.IHIY\ASE Q 2,024,578

METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES Original Filed. March 2s,' 1931 5 Sheets-:Sheet 5 gwuc/w w Jpvqen I Hearse Dec. 17, 1935. J. I. HAASE 2,024,573

METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES Original Filed March 26, 1951 5 Sheets- Sheet 4 @miaw I24 'Jor'qen I Hausa Gum M Dec. 17, I935. J. l. HAASE 2,024,578

METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES Original Filed March 26, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Eli/4 I? w I I -Jorqeh I Hausa Gum/M4 3 Patented Dec. 11, 1935 UNITED STATES METHOD OF SPLICING RUBBER ARTICLES Jorgen I. Haase, Akron, Ohio, assignor to Wingfoot Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corpora- I tion of Delaware Original application March 26, 1931, serial No.

525,416. Divided and this application September 14, 932, Serial No. 633,064

36 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of splicing two portions of rubber, and it has particular relation to a method of splicing the. ends of elongated rubber articles to form endless bands or tubes. Examples of such articles are the hollow rubber tubes of the type employed for retaining air within pneumatic tires and the strips of rubber used toform tire treads. This application is a division of application Serial No. 525,416, filed March 26, 1931.

One object of the invention is to provide a method of splicing contiguous ends or portions of rubber in which the portions to be joined together are moved together in abutting relation and are held in that position for a sufficient length of time to insure adhesion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of splicing ends of rubber bodies in which the use of cement is obviated.

Another object is to splice the ends of rubber articles, such as inner tubes, while the ends are held in a flattened condition.

Heretofore, in the manufacture of such rubber articles as pneumatic tubes employed as air conrainers within pneumatic tires, it has been customary to form a cylindrical tube of unvulcanized rubber compound. According to one method of treating these tubes, the ends thereof were skived to a, feather edge, after which the skived portions were buffed and coated with a rubber cement and then brought into overlapping relation to form a joint. The tubes were then placed in individual hollow molds and inflated with a suitable fluid and cured as endless rings. This method was termed the full mold method.

A second method comprised placing the green or unvulcanized tubes upon mandrels and then subjecting a. plurality of tubes simultaneously to vulcanization in a pot type heater or vulcanizing chamber. Afterthe cure was effected, the tubes were stripped from the mandrels and the ends thereof were buffed to a feather edge and then coated with a cement. The cement coated portions were next joined together and the splice so formed was cured in a special type of vulcanizer. Either of these methods were relatively s ow and cumbersome because of the difiiculty of Joining the ends of the tubes in proper overlapping relation and also because of thev excessive labor required to coat each individual tube with cement. Furthermore, the splice thus obtained in some cases was weak and under severe usage separation sometimes occurred. Also, the splice sometimes resulted in the formation of unsightly ridges about the tube.

This invention involves a method of splicing tubes, tread stock, or other rubber articles in which the portions to be joined are cut squarely or substantially squarely across by means of a. suitable cutting device and the freshly severed ends are then brought together directly into abutting relation and are held in that position until adhesion takes place between the freshly severed ends. In splicing tubes the ends of the'latter are flattened and united in a flattened condition.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may now be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, in which:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view of a machine 16' which may be employed in practicing the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side clevational view of the device disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the mechanism for severing the ends of tubes and forming the splice between the ends;

Fig. 5 is a, cross-sectional view taken substantially upon the line V--V of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view, disclosing the carriages for moving the ends of the tubes into abutting relation and the knife for severing the ends, in detail;

Fig. '7 is a view of the elements disclosed in Fig. 6 but disclosing them in a. different phase with respect to each other in the cycle of operation;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of a portion of an inner tube disclosing the splice which has been formed therein;

Fig. 9 is a conventional diagram of the pneumatic system employed for controlling the operation of the various elements of the splicing machine;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a diaphragm valve employed for controlling the admission of fluid unde'r compression to the actuating cylinders of the machine;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatical view of a switch employed for. controlling the operation of a cam actuating motor;

Fig. 12 is a section taken substantially on line XII-XII of Fig. 8, showing the flat condition of the tube at the point of the splice, and

Fig. 13 is a view showing a portion of Fig. 4, with tread stock to be spliced.

In practicing the invention, a base 20 is formed with an offset portion 22 having a vertical portion 24 upon which brackets 28 are secured. A cylinder 28, attached to these brackets, has a stuffing box or gland 38 which forms a fluid tight fit about the piston rod 32 that extends downwardly into the cylinder 28 and at its lower extremity is rigidly attached to a piston head 34 of conventional construction. Fluid under compression for actuating the piston is admitted to the upper and lower extremities of the cylinder by means of conduits 38 and 38 which lead to control devices, indicated generally at 39 In Fig. 9, which are to be described later.

The upper extremity of the piston rod 32 is rigidly attached to a rack 48 that engages gears 42 most clearly shown in Fig. 1. These gears are rigidly mounted uponhorizontal shafts 44 that extend forwardly through and are Joumaled in the side of a housing 48 which is mounted upon the upper portion of the member 24 of the housing 28. The portions of the shaft 44 within the housing 48 have pinions 48 mounted thereon that engage and reciprocate a pair of horizontal racks 58 that are supported upon the lower faces of carriages or plates 52. The latter elements are formed withguides 54 that slide upon mating guides 58 uponthe upper face of the housing 48.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the carriages 52 have upwardly extending brackets 58 secured to the rear edges thereof and provided at their upper ends with rearwardly projecting bifurcated portions 88 that constitute bearings for pins 82 upon which brackets 84 upon the upper ends of cylinders 88 are hingedly mounted. Pistons 88 within these cylinders are rigidly secured to downwardly projecting piston rods 18 which extend outwardly from the cylinder through stufling boxes I2 of conventional-design. The pistons. 88 are actuated by means of fluid under compression admitted respectively to the upper and lower ends of the cylinders by means of flexible conduits I4 and 18 (see Figs. 1 and 9). The flow of fluid through the latter is controlled by means of the control system 39.

The lower extremities of piston rods I8 are hingedly attached to arms I8 which are hinged upon shafts 88 that extend inwardly from the lower portions of the brackets 58. Arms I8 have forwardly extending portions 82 that have clamping surfaces formed upon the lower faces thereof that engage rubber articles such as the ends of an inner tube 88 and clamp the latter in flattened condition upon the carriages 52. Sinuations 84 are formed on the sides of the clamp arms. A cross bar 88 interconnecting side plates 98 of the housing 28 has inwardly projecting brackets 92 secured thereto and an anvil actuating cylinder 94 is mounted upon these brackets. This cylinder receives a piston 98 which actuates a piston rod 98 having an anvil or platen I88 mounted upon the upper extremity thereof.

As shown in Fig. 5, the anvil I88 is formed with notched or serrulated edge portions I 82 which mate with corresponding edges I84 upon the carriages 52. The anvil I 88 is elevated to a position between the ends of the carriages 52 and afterward lowered, to permit the ends of the carriages to approach each other, by the admission of fluid under compression to the proper end of the cylinder 94 by means of upper and lower conduits I88 and I88 (see Figs. 2 and 9). These conduits lead to the control mechanism 39 previously referred to.

The housing 28 also has an upwardly extending portion II8, upon the forward face of which ing bracket I22 which, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4,

is attached to the lower extremity of the piston rod II8. A pair of parallel knives I24 are se- 10 cured to the sides of the bracket I22 in such position that the edges thereof contact with and sever projecting end portions of rubber articles which may be disposed upon the carriages 52 when the slide I28 is lowered. These knives have sinuations I28 formed therein which correspond to the notches or serrulations I82 and I84 in the edges of the anvil I88 and the carriages 52. Fluid for actuating the piston rod I I8 is admitted to the cylinder II4 by means of upper and lower 20 conduits I28 and I38 '(see Figs. 2 and 9) which; like the conduits previously described, are connected to the common valve control devices 39.

An electrical resistance I32, shown in Fig. 6, of conventional design, is mounted upon the 25 bracket I22 and is attached to any convenient source of current (not shown). This element constitutes means for heating the knives I24 and thereby assists in the se ering of the ends of the rubber articles by re ucing the drag of the severed surface of the stock on the knife, which drag usually is substantial when a cold knife is used. Also, the heat renders the ends of the tubes soft and tacky and thus promotes the union when the ends are brought into contact. 5 However, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to supply heat to the rubber articles, as the splice may be made cold, but it is preferred that heat be supplied. Brackets I34, secured to the rear face of the extension II8 upon 40 the housing 28, support a vertical cylinder I38 which has a piston head I38 mounted therein. This head is attached to and actuates a vertically disposed piston rod I48 that extends downwardly and, at its lower end at a predetermined point in the cycle of operation of the machine, engages the upper end of the rack 48. The piston is actuated downwardly by means of fluid under compression which is admitted through upper conduit I42. Lower conduit I44 leads to the 50 atmosphere and the operation of the piston I 38 will be described later.

The piston head I 38 and the piston head 34 are so controlled that during upward movement of the latter, the head I 38 can be disposed in the 55 lowermost position within the cylinder I38. In the latter position, the lower extremity of the rod I48 is disposed in the path of the rack 48 near the upper limit of travel of the latter. The cylinder I38 is of such size that the total pressure upon the 0 piston I38 is greater than that upon the piston 34. Therefore, the rod I48 overcomes the upward urge exerted by the rack 48 and thus acts as a stop for the latter. If the rack should go completely up before pressure is supplied to piston I38 65 to limit this upward movement, the rack will be forced downwardly to its correct position as soon as such pressure is supplied. At the moment preceding or practically simultaneously with retraction of the knives I24 from the ends of the inner "0 tube 88, the actuating pressure is released from the upper end of the cylinder I 38, thereby permitting the rack bar to complete its upward movement and thus permitting a slight additional separation of the carriages 52. This additional separation tends to tree the knives from the rubber compound constituting the ends of the tube and thus prevents adhesion between the latter and the knives.

The mechanism for controlling the operation of cylinders 28, 66, 94, H4 and I36 comprises diaphragm valves I50, I52, I54, I66, I58 and I60, best shown in Figs. 1 and 9. These valves are oi conventional construction and a description of valve I50 is sufilcient for all. The valve comprises a dome I62 that contains a conventional flexible diaphragm I64, shown in Fig. 10, which presses against rigid heads I66 upon the upper extremity of valve stem I68. Downwardly converging supports I10, attached to the dome I62 are secured to a tubular upper branch I12 ot a three-way valve body I14. The latter also comprises tubular branches I16 and I18 which are disposed in coaxial alignment with respect to each other and at right angles with respect to the axis of the branch I12. The body further includes a downwardly extending tubular branch I80 which is disposed in coaxial alignment with the branch I12. A partition I82 extends diagonally across the intersection formed by the branches I16-I18 and I12-I80 in such manner as to separate the passage of the branch I16 from the branch I18 and correspondingly to separate the passages in the branch I12 from that within the branch I80. An opening I84 is formed in this partition and the lower extremity of the valve stem I68 projects therethrough and is provided with a head I86 which is adapted to seat against the lower face of the'partition I82, thus to close the opening I84. The lower face of the head I86 also seats against the upper face of a transversely extending partition I88, which is disposed across the upper end of the opening within the branch I80, thus closing an opening I90 formed in the latter.

It is thus apparent that when the head I86 is depressed to close the opening I90 that a passage is formed through the branch I 16, the opening I84 within the partition I82 and outwardly through the branch I18, thereby permitting a flow of fluid under compression therethrough. However, when the head I86 is elevated, the passage I84is closed and fluid is permitted to circulate through the branch I80, the opening I90 and the branch I 16. Fluid under compression for controlling the diaphragm I64 is admitted to the dome I62 by means of a conduit I94, indicated in Fig. 10.

As best shown in Fig. 9, the domes of valves I50 and I52 are interconnected by means of conduit I94, to which fluid under compression for actuating the diaphragms within the valves is supplied by' means of a conduit I96. The lower branch I80 01 valve I50 is connected by means of a conduit I98 to a conduit 200, which, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, constitutes a manifold integrally cast with the base or housing 20 and which supplies fluid to the system under relatively high pressure. The corresponding branch of valve I52 is connected by means of conduits 202 and 208 to an exhaust muflier 2I2 which permits the escape of fluid under compression from the valves to the outer atmosphere. Similarly, branch I18 of valve I 50 is connected to a conduit 2I4, which also discharges into the conduit 208 and from thence into the muflier 2I2. Branch I18 of valve I52 is connected to the fluid pressure main 200 by means of a conduit 2 I6. The remaining branches I16 of valves I52 and I50 are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the rack and carriage operating cylinder 28 by means 01 conduits 220-38 and 2224-38.

It is thus apparent that by admitting fluid under compression to the conduit I96, the diaphragms I64 oi the valves I50 and I52 are simul- 5 taneously actuated downwardly to close the opening I90 to the branches I80 01' the valves. This movement permits the escape of fluid through the conduits222 and 2I4 from the lower end of the cylinder .28. Simultaneously, a passage is opened through the valve I52 and the conduits 2I6 and 220 to permit the flow of fluid to the upper end of the cylinder 28, thereby causing the piston 34 to travel downwardly to move the carriages 52 toward each other. Release of pressure within the conduit I96 permits the diaphragms within the valves I50 and I52 to rise, thus opening the passages I90 and closing the passages I84. This movement permits fluid from the main 200 to pass upwardly through conduit I98, valve I50 and conduit 222 to the lower end of cylinder 28, thus actuating the piston 34 upwardly. Simultaneously, the fluid within the cylinder 28 is permitted to exhaust through conduit 220, valve I52, conduit 202 and conduit 208 to the mufiier 2| 2.

This movement upwardly of the piston 34 operates rack 40 to move the carriages 52 apart. The diphragms of valves I54 and I56 are simultaneously actuated by means of an interconnecting conduit 224 which is supplied with actuating fluid by means of a conduit 226. Branch I18 of valve I54 is connected to muifler 2I2 by means of conduits 228, 206 and 208 while the corresponding branch of valve I56 is connected to the fluid supply main 200 by means of a conduit 230. The lower branches I80 of valves I54 and I58 are respectively connected to the conduit I98 and to the mufiler 2I2 by conduits 232 and conduits 234, 206 and 208. The remaining branches I 16 of these valves are respectively connected to the lower and upper extremities of the knife operating cylinder II4 by means of conduits I30 and I28.

Downward actuation of the control rods I68 of valvesI54 and I56 opens, by fluid through conduit 224, the exhaust passage from the lower end of knife operating cylinder II4 through conduits I30, 228, 206 and 208 to mufller 2I2 to permit downward movement of piston rod II6. Simultaneously, fluid flows through conduits 230 and I28 to actuate the piston rod-H8 downwardly. Release of pressure within the conduit224 causes rods I 68 to rise, thus allowing the exhaust fluid to escape from the upper end of cylinder II4 to escape through conduits I28, valve I56, conduits 234, 206 and 208 to muflier 2I2. This operation is accompanied by flow of fluid under pressure through conduits I98, 232, valve I54 and conduit I30 to actuate piston rod I I6 upwardly.

Fluid under compression for operating the piston 96 that controls the anvil I00 is supplied to 60 the upper and lower ends of cylinder 94 by means of conduits I06 and I08. The latter'conduitleads to a branch 231 which further leads to a small reservoir 240, which in turn is-connected to the branch I16 of valve I60 by means of conduit 242. Fluid under compression is supplied to the valve 'I 60 by means of a conduit 244, which is connected to the supply main 200 and to the branch I18 of the latter valve. Exhawt fluid from the valve escapes through a conduit 246, which is attached to the lower branch I80 of the valve and which extends upwardly into proximity to the rear edge of the anvil I00 where it is provided with an exhaust opening through which the fluid under compression is permitted to escape in such manher as to blow the severed portions of the tubes which are being spliced upon the anvil therefrom.

The strength and duration of the blast of air upon the anvil is greatly increased by reason of the reservoir 246 which constitutes a. small storage chamber that increases the volume of air which is exhausted from the cylinder. The diaphragm I64 of valve 166 may conveniently be eontro!led by means of fluid admitted to the dome I62 by means of a conduit 246. A constant pres sure of relatively low value is maintained upon the upper face of the piston 96 by means of conduit I66, which leads to the upper end of the cylinder 94 and to the supply line 238, that in turn leads to a tank 256, which is supplied with sion by means of a conduit 252 which leads to a,

tank 254 containing fluid under materially higher .pressure than that cmtained in the tank 256.

The lower branch I86 of this valve is also connected to the exhaust muiller 2I2 by means of conduits 256, 228, 266 and 268. The remaining branch I16 of the valve supplies fluid under relatively high pressure to the clamp operating cylinders 66 through a conduit 258 which, in turn, is connected to flexible branches 16 that lead to the respectivecylinders. Fluid for actuating the diaphragm within the valve is supplied through a conduit 262, which in turn is connected to a conduit 264 that leads to the conduit 238 and to points to be described later. It will be noted by reference to Fig. 9, that the low pressure supply line 239 also communicates with conduit 14 to constantly supply fluid under low pressure to cylinders 66 to urge pistons 68 downwardly whenever the pressure on the lower faces of these pistons is released.

The flow of fluid through the conduit 264 from low pressure line 238 is controlled by means of manually operated valves 266, which are so spaced as to require the operator to use both hands for the simultaneous operation thereof, thus insuring that the hands will be in such position as to render it impossible for them to be caught in the mechanism of the splicing machine at the time of operation of the latter. A suitable cam device for automatically and synchronously initiating the operation of the various valves I56, I52, I54, I56, I59 and I66 comprises a shaft 266, shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 9. This shaft is provided intermediate of its length with a gear 216, which intermeshes with a pinion 212 that is driven by means of a small motor 214. As shown in Fig. 2, the shaft may be journaled within suitable bearings 216 within a case 216, which is mounted upon the forward face of an upwardly extending bracket 266.

A series of cams 262, 264, 286 and 266, mounted upon the shaft 268, are of such configuration as to operate valve stems 296, which extend downwardly from valves 292, 294, 296 and 298 in the desired sequence. These valves are of conventional construction and are interconnected by means of a manifold 366, best shown in Figs. 2 and 9. Each of these valves contains a conventional bleeder arrangement whereby when the valves are closed fluid will exhaust from the conduits- I96, 248, 226 and 264. Fluid under compression is supplied to the manifold for distribution to the valves by means of conduit '362, which leads to the low pressure line 236. The valves 292, 294, 296 and 298 are respectively connected to conduits I96, 248, 226 and 264m such manner that at a predetermined point in the cycle of operation of the cams, the valves are operated to permit the flow of fluid through conduit 362, the manifold 366 and the previously mentioned conduits to operate valves I56, I52, I54, I56, I58 and I66. As will subsequently be made more clear, valve 294 10 .is initially held open in the cycle of operation by cam 264, but valves 292, 296 and 298 are initially closed. 1

As best shown in Fig. 9, the motor 214 is supplied with actuating current through conductors 366 one of which leads to a switch 3I6. As shown in Fig. 11, this switch includes a pivoted arm 3I2 which, at its upper end, is attached to a cross arm 3I4 that engages the outer extremities of a pair of small piston rods 3I6 and 3I8.. Rod 3I6 extends within a cylinder 326, the rear end of which communicates with a conduit 322 leading to the conduit 264. Upon operation of valves 266, fluid flows from the low pressure line'238 through the conduit 264 and the conduit 322 to actuate the piston in the cylinder 326, thus to swing the arm 3I2 outwardly to close the switch and start the motor. The flow of fluid from valves 266 through the conduit 322 is quickly shut ,off by closing these valves shortly after the motor has started. After the motor starts, valve 298 is opened by cam 268 and permits the flow of fluid from manifold 366 into conduits 322 and 264, thus supplanting the fluid from hand valves 266 and keeping the motor in operation. The motor is thus maintained in operation by fluid through valve 296 until cam 262 opens valve 292. As soon as the latter valve opens, fluid flows through manifold 366 into a conduit 326 leading to a, cylinder 324, similar to cylinder 326 and in which piston rod 3I6 operates. The operation of rod 3I6 is similar to that of rod 3I6 and holds arm 3I2 in position to maintain the motor in operation until the cam shaft has made a complete revolution. In

continuous, the rod 3I8 is actuated prior to the closing of valve 296 and the consequent release of rod 3I6. After a complete revolution has been made by the cam shaft, both the valve 292 and the valve 298 are in such position that the flow of fluid through conduits 322 and 326 is cut off and it remains so until the manually controlled valves 266 are operated to initiate the next cycle. In describing the operation of the machine, it will be assumed that all of the elements are in their initial positions with the motor 214 stopped. In such positions, it will be apparent that the piston 34 will be elevated and the carriages 52 separated, due to the flow of fluid from the manifold 266, through conduit I98, valve I56, conduit 222 and conduit 38 to the lower end of cylinder 26. However, piston 34 will not be completely elevated at this time because piston rod I46 is being urged downwardly to limit the upward movement of rack 46 and consequently of piston (35 34. In order to permit piston rod I46 to be urged downwardly at this time, cam 264 is arranged to hold open valve 294 to permit a flow of fluid from the low pressure supply line 238 through conduit 362, manifold 366, valve 294 and conduit 246 to the dome of valve I66. Valve stem I68 of the latter valve thus will be urged downwardly to allow fluid to pass from manifold 266 through conduit 244, valve I66, conduit 242, reservoir 246, conduit 231 and conduit I42 to the upper end of cylinder I36 in which piston I38 is located. In their initial positions, the carriages 62 are separated sufliciently to permit the anvil I00 to be arranged therebetween with the serrations I02 of the anvil interfltting with the serrations I04 on the carriages. In order that the anvil may be held between the carriages, conduit I08 leading to the lower end of the anvil cylinder 94 is connected to conduit 231 whereby when fluid is passed through the latter conduit into cylinder I36, it also will pass through conduit I08 to raise piston 96 and consequently maintain the anvil.

in elevated position as long as the flow of fluid continues in the manner stated. It will be noted that conduit I06, leading to the upper end of cylinder 94 is connected to the low pressure supply line 238, but the pressure entering the bottom of cylinder 94 is great enough to overcome the low pressure constantly maintained above piston 94. However, it will be obvious that as soon as the pressure on the bottom of piston 94 is released, the constant pressure on top thereof will force the piston and consequently the anvil downwardly out of the path of travel of the carriages 62.

Also, it will be observed that the initial position of the pistons 68 is downward, due to the flow of fluid from the low pressure supply line 230, through conduit I4 into the upper ends of cylinders 66. Therefore the clamp arms 82 will be out of clamping position initially. The knives I24 will be elevated initially, due to the flow of fluid through manifold 200, conduits I98 and 232, valve I54, and conduit I30 into the lower end of the cylinder II4 associated with the knives.

At this time the ends of an inner tube to be spliced are disposed upon the carriages 52 in such manner that small portions thereof will project from beneath the clamp arms 82 when the latter are lowered, whereby these projecting portions may be cut off by the knives. Also, in order to prevent adhesion between the walls of the tube when clamped together, a. material such as soapstone or the like is applied to the interior of the tube, as will be understood. Hand valves 266 now are operated and it will be apparent that the following events will occur. Fluid first will pass from the low pressure supply line 238 through valves 266 and conduits 264 and 262 into the dome of valve I58 tov urge the stem I68 thereof downwardly. This will cause the passage of fluid from manifold 200, through high pressure tank 254, conduit 252, valve I58, conduits 258 and I6, into the lower ends of cylinders 66, thus to overcome the low pressure on the upper surfaces of pistons 68 and to lower the clamp arms 82 to properly secure the tube ends on the carriages in flattened condition. While fluid is passing to con'duit 262 through conduit 264, it also will pass from the latter conduit into conduit 322 to operate switch 3I0 and start motor 214 to rotate cam shaft 268.

Upon rotation of cam shaft 268, cam 288 opens valve 298 and permits a flow of fluid from the low pressure supply line 238, through conduit 302, manifold 300, and valve 298, into conduit 264 to insure a flow of fluid from the latter conduit into conduit 262 to keep the clamp arms down and into conduit 322 to keep the motor in operation. Therefore, it will be apparent that as soon as valve 298 has been opened by cam 288, hand valves 266 can be closed, and the motor will continue to operate with the clamp arms remaining down. In operating the device, hand valves 266 therefor, are closed shortly after the motor begins to operate. 7

As cam shaft 268 continues to rotate, cam 286 will open valve 296 and permit a flow of fluid from supply line 238 through conduit 302, manifold 300, valve 296, conduits 226 and 224 into the domes of valves I66 and I64 respectively. This action will lower valve stems I68 in the latter valves and allow fluid to pass from manifold 200 through conduit 230, valve I66 and conduit I28 into the upper end of cylinder II4. At the same time fluid will exhaust from the lower end of cylinder I I4 through conduit I30, valve I64, conduits 228, 206 and 208 into muiller 2I2. Thus the knives I24 will be lowered and will sever the ends of the tubes projecting from beneath the clamp arms. The sinuated portions on the knives interflt with the similar portions upon the clamp arms and as a consequence, after the knives sever the'rubber, the freshly exposed surfaces of the latter will be serrated or notched similar to the notches of the carriages. By reason of the heat imparted to the rubber by the heat in the knives, the freshly exposed surfaces are relatively soft and tacky. However, as before stated, it is not essential that the knives be heated, as tacky surfaces on the ends of the tube can be obtained without the aid of heat and a very good cold splice can be made. After the knives have performed their function, valve 296 closes and releases the pressure in conduit 226 and it will be apparent that the knives then will return to elevated position.

Practically simultaneously with the closing of valve 296, valve we also is closed by the movement of cam 284 out of contact therewith. It will be remembered that valve 294 was open initially and it has remained open during the preceding steps of the cycle. The closing of valve 294 also releases the pressure on the dome of valve I60 thereby permitting valve stem I08 thereof to rise to release the plessure thlougli valve I60 from manifold 2w. 'Ims release of pressure through the latter valve and in conduit 23f will result in the equalization of pressure on opposite sides of piston Isa, as only atmospheric pressure is bearing on the lower face of this piston at all times. in this condition, piston I38 and its rod I4u can no longer oppose upward movement of the rack 40 and as pressure is still being exerted to raise the rack, the latter will rise to its highest position, thus anordlng a slight additional separation of carriages 52 for the purpose previously referred to. Also, with the release of pressure in conduit 231, it will be noted thatno pressure will be exerted on the lower face of anvil piston 96 and that the pressure exerted on the upper face thereof from the low pressure supply line 238, will be sufficient to lower the anvil out of the path of movement of the carriages. Downward movement of piston 96 will exhaust fluid through the various passages leading to conduit 246 and will cause a blast to be directed from the latter conduit for the purpose previously explained.

As soon as the foregoing steps have been completed, the cam shaft will have reached a position whereby cam 282 will open valve 292. Opening of the latter valve will cause the passage of fluid from supply line 238 through conduit 302, manifold 300, valve 292, and conduit 326, into cylinder 324 to move rod 3I8 into a position assisting rod 3 I6 in holding closed switch 3I0. For a short period of time both rods 3I6 and 3I8 serve the same function. Also, as valve 292 opens, fluid passes from supply line 238 through this valve into conduits 196 and I to enter the domes of valves I52 and I" respectively. The stems in the latter valves thereby will be urged downwardly and fluid will pass from manifold 200 through conduit 2|, valve I52, conduits 220 and 36 into the upper end of the rack cylinder 28 to urge the rack downwardly to move carriages 52 toward each other. Fluid will exhaust from the lower end of cylinder 28 through the various passages provided therefor into mufller 2l2. As the carriages move toward each other, the ends of the tube are brought into contact and the serrated surfaces on the ends interflt with each other to form an excellent splice. Preferably, these tube After the splice is complete, cam 288 will have reached a position closing valve 298 and releasing the pressure in conduit 322 leading to cylinder 320 thereby releasing the pressure on rod 3| 6 whereby the latter rod will not satisfactorily hold the switch closed. From this point in the cycle of operation until the latter is complete, rod 3I8 functions to keep the switch closed and the motor in operation. With the closing of valve 298, it will be apparent that the pressure in conduits 264 and 262 will be released, thus allowing the valve stem in valve I58 to rise whereby the flow of fluid through this valve from the manifold will be stopped. This will result in a release of pressure on the lower faces of pistons 68 and the low pressure constantly acting on the upper faces of these pistons will move the latter downwardly,

,thereby raising the clamp arms 82.-

When the clamp arms have been raised, cam

. 282 operates to close valve 292 to release the pres-'- sure in conduit I86 to eflect a return of the carriages to their separated starting position and a the spliced tube then is removed from the maacting thereon to push the rack downwardly to insure the latter being in proper starting position. The cycle may be repeated by again opening hand valves 266, as will be understood.

The freshly spliced tube may be placed in a suitable mold (not shown) and vulcanized. The union produced is most clearly shown in Fig. 8, in which the serrated ends of the tube are shown joined together along the line 400.

The method may be used to splice together the ends of single units of rubber, such as inner tubes for tires or flat strips such as are employed as tread units for tires, or it may be employed for splicing a plurality of units to form single units. The use of the method results in the formation of a splice which is substantially uniform in thickness, thereby obviating any unsightly ridges about the articles at the point of the splice. 'Also, the splice is effected mechanically in a minimum period of time. A further advantage of the use of the invention consists in the fact that by reason of the automatic nature of the operation of the machine, skilled labor for the operation thereof is unnecessary. Therefore, laborers who may be obtained at a small expense may be employed in the operation thereof.

Although I have illustrated and described but the preferred embodiment of the invention, it

will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited but that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A method of splicing a pneumatic tube which comprises disposing a material within the tube which prevents adhesion between adjacent walls, severing portions from the ends of the 10 tube, flattening the ends of the tube in such position that the walls thereof are held collapsed against each other, and then bringing the ends of the tube together in abutting relation with respect to each other. l5

2. A method of splicing an inner tube which comprises disposing therein a material capable of preventing adhesion between the walls of the tube, severing portions from the ends of the tube, heating the exposed ends resulting from the severing of such portions to produce tacky surfaces thereon, and then bringing the severed ends together while they are in plastic condition to produce 9. splice.

3. A method of splicing the ends of a rubber tube which comprises disposing therein a material capable of preventing adhesion between the walls of the tube, flattening the ends of the tube to be spliced in completely collapsed position, and then bringing the ends together while they are in such position into abutting relation.

4. A method of splicing a pneumatic rubber tube which comprises disposing therein material capable of preventing adhesion between the walls of the tube, flattening the ends of. the tube in as completely collapsed position, severing portions from the ends of the tube, heating the freshly exposed surfaces to produce local softening, and then bringing the softened ends together in abutting relation to produce the desired splice. ,0

5. A method of splicing together two portions of rubber which comprises cutting small portions from the portions to be spliced to produce freshly exposed surfaces and heating the freshly exposed surfaces to produce tackiness, and then bringing the heated surfaces into abutting relation.

6. A. method of splicing a 'rubber tube which comprises flattening the ends of the tube in such position that the walls thereof are held collapsed against each other, producing tacky surfaces at the ends of the tube, and joining said tacky surfaces while the ends are so collapsed.

7. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises flattening the ends of the tube in such position that the walls thereof are held collapsed against each other, heating the ends of the tube to produce tacky surfaces thereon, and joining said tacky surfaces .while the ends are collapsed.

8. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises completely flattening the ends of. the C9 tube, serrating the ends of the tube and joining the ends with the serrations in interfltting relation while the ends are completely fiat.

9. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises completely flattening the ends of the tube, severing a portion from the ends of the tube to provide freshly exposed serrated surfaces on the tube ends, and joining said surfaces with the serrations in interfltting relation while the tube ends are completely flat.

10. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises completely flattening the ends of the tube, severing a portion from the ends of the tube to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, makwhile the tube ends are flat.

11. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises clamping the ends of the portions in completely flattened pos tion and moving the ends intoabutting engagement with-each other whereby the ends may be joined while completely flat.

12. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises clamping in completely flat! tened positions and holding flat the ends of the portions, producing tacky surfaces on the ends of the portions, and uniting said tacky surfaces in abutting relation while the ends are completely 13. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises clamping the ends of the portions in completely flattened positions, heating the ends of the portions to produce tacky surfaces thereon, and joining said tacky surfaces in abutting engagement while the ends are completely flat.

14. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises flattening the ends of the portions, severing a portion from the ends of the portions to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, and joining said surfaces while the ends are flat.

15. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises completely flattening the ends of the portions, serrating the ends of the portions, and joining the ends while completely flat with the serrations in interfitting relation.

16. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises completely flattening the ends of the portions, severing a portion from the ends of the portions to provide freshly exposed serrated surfaces on the ends, and joining said surfaces with the serrations in interfltting relation while the ends are completely flat.

1'7. A method of splicing two portions of rubber which comprises flattening the ends of the portions, severing a portion from the ends of the portions to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, making said surfaces tacky, and joining said surfaces while the endsare flat.

18. A method of splicing tread. stock which comprises clamping completely flat the ends thereof in spaced relation and forcing said ends together horizontally in a butt splice at right angles to the surface of the tread while completely flat. e

19. A method of splicing treadstock which comprises clamping completely flat the ends thereof in spaced relation, producing tacky surfaces on said ends, and forcing said ends together horizontally in a butt splice atright angles to the surface of the tread while completely flat.

20. A method of splicing tread stock which comprises flattening the ends thereof, severing a portion from the ends to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, and joining said surfaces in abutting relation lwhile the ends are flat.

21. A method of'splicing tread stock which comprises flattening the ends thereof, serrating the ends, and joining the ends in abutting relation while flat with the serrations interfitting.

22. A method of splicing tread stock which comprises flattening the ends thereof, severing a portion from the ends to provide freshly exposed serrated surfaces on the ends, and joining said surfaces with the serrations in interfittin relation while the ends are flat.

23. A method of splicing unvulcanized rubber tubes which comprises pressing the end surfaces a .7 019. pair of fully closed tubcends in registry with each other axially.

'24; A method or splicing unvulcanizedrubber tubes whichcomprises giving serrated form to fully closed. tube ends and pressing said ends together with the serrations in inter'fitting relation.

25. A method of splicing, a pneumatic rubber tube which comprises simultaneously severing and heating the ends of a-green tube to produce 10 tacky surfaces thereon, and then bringing said tacky surfaces into contact with each other to v form a splice.

26. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises completely flattening the ends of the tube, simultaneously severing a portion from and heating the ends of the tube to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, and joining said s faces while the tube ends are flat.

27. A method of splicing a rubber tube which 20 comprises completely flattening the ends of the tube, severing a portion from each end thereof in a single operation to provide freshly exposed surfaces thereon, and joining said surfaces while fresh. 25

28. A method of splicing a rubber tube which comprises flattening the ends of the tube, severing a portion from and heating each end thereof in a single operation to provide freshly exposed tacky surfaces thereon and joining said surfaces 30 while fresh.

29. A method of splicing a pneumatic rubber tube which comprises completely flattening the ends thereof, heating the ends in a single operation to provide tacky surfaces thereon, and join- 35 ing said tacky surfaces while the ends are com-, pletely' fiat.

30. A method of splicing tread stock which comprises clamping the ends thereof completely flat, severing a portion from the ends to provide 40 freshy exposed surfaces thereon, heating said surfaces to make them tacky, and forcing together said surfaces in a straight butt splice while so clamped.

31. A'method or splicing tread stock which 45 comprises simultaneously severing and heating the ends of green stock to produce tacky surfaces thereon,and'then uniting said tacky surfaces to form a splice.

32. A method of splicing tread stockwhich 50 comprises heating both ends thereof in a single operation to provide freshly exposed tacky surfaces thereon, and joining said surfaces in a straight butt splice while fresh.

33. A method of splicing together two portions of rubber which comprises severing a piece from and heating the ends to be spliced of the portions in a single operation to provide freshly exposed tacky surfaces thereon and joining said surfaces while fresh.

bringing the end portionsof the tube forcibly into end-to-end. engagement while said end portions remain confined in flattened condition.

35. The method of splicing portions of unvulcanized hollow rubber articles which comprises flattening said portions, removing a part of said portions to present clean surfaces therebeneath while said portions are confined in flattened condition, and then bringing said clean surfaces forcibly into face-to-face engagement while said portions remain confined in flattened condition.

36. A method of splicing unvulcanized rubber tubes comprising clamping the ends of said tube into flattened condition, removing a small portion of the material from each flattened end of 5 the tubing to provide a surface at right angles to the flattened surfaces, bringing the rightangied surfaces 01. the end portions of the tube into end-to-end or butting engagement and closely conflning the respective tubeends as they are butted together.-

JORGEN I. HAASE. 

